Susan Shipman GA Dept. of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division One Conservation Way, Suite 300 Brunswick, GA 31523-8600 912/264-7218 (ph) 912/262-2318 (f) s2@coastal.dnr.state.ga.us

When Susan Shipman was asked what she feels is the most challenging aspect of fisheries management, she responded with, "allocation."

"The tough allocation issues which have historically challenged the South Atlantic Council are only going to become more complex with the growth of the southeastern coastal area," said Shipman. "Recognizing this, fisheries managers and the various user and interest groups- commercial fishermen, recreational fishermen, consumers and environmentalists alike - must have more recognition and acceptance of the common property ethic throughout the allocation process."

"Only in that spirit can various interests effectively work together to achieve the best solutions within the council process," she added.

When Susan is not acting as a Council member, she works full time as the Director of Coastal Fisheries for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Coastal Resources Division. She is responsible for the Department's marine and estuarine fisheries program for commercial fisheries, recreational fisheries, outer continental shelf resources and endangered/nongame marine resources.

Susan received her B.S. degree in zoology from the University of Georgia in 1976 and worked as a research assistant in marine sciences at the University of North Carolina until 1978. She was employed by the Georgia DNR the following year and served as Chief of Coastal Fisheries beginning in 1983. In April of 2003, Susan was selected to head the Coastal Resources Division upon the retirement of Director Duane Harris. In addition to her position with DNR, Susan also serves as a member of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. As a prior chairman, she recieved the Commission's highest honor, the David B. Hart Awart, for her contribution to the management and conservation of Atlantic coast fisheries in 2000. She has served as president of the Americal Fisheries Society, Southern Division.

Susan strives to promote environmental awareness through her community service involvement. As program committee chairman for the Brunswick YWCA, she is developing and incorporating environmental programming for families, seniors and youths into the resource center. In recognition of these efforts, she received the YWCA's Board Member of the Year Award. As a member of the Glynn Clean and Beautiful Advisory Board, she leads teams of local volunteers in quarterly Adopt a Highway cleanups, Beach Sweeps, and Trashbuster events to combat the epidemic litter and marine debris in her coastal community. She is also a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.

Susan resides on St. Simons Island, Georgia with her husband Mark Jicha. When time allows from her busy schedule, she enjoys gardening and yoga.